Animal Science & Handling

Where Science Meets the Living Animal.

The Animal Science & Handling program takes students deeper into the biology, behaviour, and welfare of agricultural animals — laying the scientific foundation for careers in veterinary medicine, animal health, and species-specific production.

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Program Overview

The discipline that bridges biology and agricultural production.

Animal science is the discipline that bridges biology and agricultural production. Students in this program develop a rigorous understanding of animal anatomy, physiology, and behaviour — applied directly to the species they work with every day at YSA.

This program is ideally suited for students considering careers in veterinary technology, animal health consulting, zoo and wildlife management, or specialized livestock production. The academic depth of this program also supports post-secondary applications to animal science, biology, and pre-veterinary programs.

Unlike a general livestock program, Animal Science & Handling emphasizes the science behind production decisions: why animals behave as they do, how their bodies respond to nutrition and environment, and how to design welfare-positive handling systems.

What You’ll Learn

The science behind every production decision.

Animal anatomy, physiology, and body systems

Animal behaviour and ethology

Low-stress handling techniques across multiple species

Reproductive biology and assisted reproduction basics

Nutrition science: digestive systems, feed chemistry, ration balancing

Disease mechanisms: pathology, immunology, and herd health surveillance

Animal welfare standards and assessment

Species-specific care: cattle, poultry, small ruminants, swine

Laboratory skills: specimen collection, sample handling

Introduction to pharmacology and drug administration protocols

Course Pathway

A three-year progression from foundation to mastery.

Year 1 · Grade 10

Foundation

Introduction to Agriculture I
Animal Science I (Anatomy & Physiology)
Animal Behaviour & Welfare
Ag Safety & Effective Communications I
Species Care Practicum I

Year 2 · Grade 11

Specialization

Animal Science II (Nutrition & Reproduction)
Herd Health & Disease Management
Low-Stress Handling Systems
SAE Project Development — Animal Science
Laboratory Skills for Animal Health

Year 3 · Grade 12

Mastery

Advanced Animal Science (Physiology & Pathology)
Animal Health Capstone Project
Veterinary Assisting Practicum
SAE Project Completion & Presentation
Post-Secondary Pathway: Pre-Vet / Animal Science Programs

Certifications & Credentials

Graduates leave with industry credentials that travel.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification

Low-Stress Livestock Handling Certificate

First Aid & Emergency Response (farm animal focus)

Lab Safety Certification

Dual-credit pathway: Olds College Veterinary Technology (Year 3)

Career Pathways

Where this program leads.

Veterinary Technician

Provide clinical support to veterinarians in large or small animal practices.

Animal Health Technologist

Conduct herd health programs and disease surveillance for producers.

Research Animal Technician

Care for animals in university or government research programs.

Zoo Keeper / Wildlife Technician

Work with zoological or wildlife conservation organizations.

Production Animal Manager

Oversee welfare and health programs for commercial livestock operations.

Animal Nutritionist (with post-secondary)

Formulate rations and advise producers on feeding programs.

Pre-Veterinary Student → Veterinarian

YSA provides the foundational science for university-level pre-vet programs.

Animal Behaviour Consultant

Advise ranchers and producers on humane handling system design.

Industry Connections

Built with the veterinarians and animal health professionals you’ll learn from.

Animal Science & Handling at YSA is shaped by veterinarians, animal health technologists, and post-secondary partners across Alberta — mentors who help design the curriculum and open doors to placements.

Become an Industry Partner

Olds College Veterinary Technology program — dual-credit partnership and post-secondary pathway
Large animal veterinary clinics in the Medicine Hat region — mentorship and practicum opportunities
YSA Advisory Council animal science professionals — curriculum guidance and guest instruction
Alberta Veterinary Medical Association — guest speaker connections
Livestock auction facilities — applied handling practicum experience

SAE Opportunities

Real projects. Real outcomes.

Every YSA student designs and runs a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project. Here are five starting points for Animal Science & Handling students:

Design a body condition scoring system and apply it to YSA’s livestock herd.

Conduct a species behaviour study — document and analyze animal behaviour patterns.

Develop a welfare assessment tool for YSA’s poultry or livestock operation.

Assist with reproductive management on YSA livestock — AI (artificial insemination) observation and record-keeping.

Create an educational resource on a specific animal disease or health condition.

Apply Now

Ready to build a career in Animal Science & Handling?

Applications for Fall 2027 are open. Get in touch — or jump straight in.

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